Worried about school fees? Learn how to apply for the NELFUND Student Loan in Nigeria, who qualifies, and how to avoid rejection. Simple steps, real info no jargon.
Worried about school fees?
You’re not alone. With the cost of education rising, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is here to help students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education pay their tuition and upkeep.
Let’s break down what it’s about and how you can apply, no stress, no confusion.
ALSO READ: Updates on Student Loan Forgiveness in Nigeria: Recent Developments and Key Insights
What is the NELFUND Student Loan?
NELFUND stands for Nigeria Education Loan Fund. It’s a scheme launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions. The aim is simple: to remove financial barriers stopping young Nigerians from getting a quality education.
This loan covers your tuition fees and monthly upkeep of #20,000. It’s interest-free and repayment only starts two years after you finish NYSC or get a job, whichever comes first.
Who is Eligible for the NELFUND Student Loan?
To apply for the loan, you must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen
- Have gained admission into a public tertiary institution (federal or state university, polytechnic, or college of education)
- Show proof of financial need
- Have a valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- Not be a debtor to any financial institution or convicted of a criminal offense
Important Note: The loan is not yet available to students in private universities or foreign institutions.
How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan
Are you Ready to apply for the NELFUND student loan? Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official portal: https://nelf.gov.ng
- Create an account using your NIN and email
- Log in and fill out your student loan application
- Upload necessary documents like admission letter, school ID, and proof of financial need
- Submit your application and wait for feedback
- Once approved, your tuition will be paid directly to your school.
What Happens After Graduation?
One major benefit of the NELFUND loan is that repayment only starts:
- Two years after NYSC, or
- When you get a job, whichever comes first
- You’ll repay in small, manageable installments. If you’re unemployed or earning very little, you won’t be forced to repay immediately.
- This flexible repayment plan makes the loan stress-free and student-friendly.
NELFUND Student Loan Disbursement by Institution
| S/N | Institution | Amount Received (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maiduguri | 589,001,500 |
| 2 | University of Ibadan | 201,114,650 |
| 3 | University of Ilorin | 52,897,890 |
| 4 | University of Benin | 24,412,500 |
| 5 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma | 304,961,800 |
| 6 | Bayero University, Kano | 853,775,000 |
| 7 | Federal College of Education, Abeokuta | 1,945,700 |
| 8 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | 62,928,600 |
| 9 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife | 50,414,000 |
| 10 | Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro | 8,347,465 |
| 11 | University of Lagos | 122,494,400 |
| 12 | University of Jos | 209,320,000 |
| 13 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau | 15,600,200 |
| 14 | Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo | 18,502,500 |
| 15 | Federal University, Dutse | 207,106,000 |
| 16 | Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi | 130,002,800 |
| 17 | Modibbo Adama University, Adamawa | 83,837,850 |
| 18 | Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi | 7,218,800 |
| 19 | Federal Polytechnic, Mubi | 2,045,500 |
Top Reasons Why NELFUND Applications May Be Rejected
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Incomplete Application | Missing documents, skipped form fields, or failure to upload necessary files (e.g., admission letter, school ID) can lead to automatic disqualification. |
| Incorrect or Fake Information | Providing wrong details (like wrong NIN, name mismatch, or forged documents) will result in disapproval. NELFUND cross-checks your info with national databases. |
| Ineligible Institution | If you’re studying in a private or unaccredited institution, you’re not eligible. Only students in public tertiary institutions (federal/state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education) are considered. |
| Not a Financially Needy Student | The scheme is for indigent students. If your application doesn’t show clear financial need, you might be passed over in favor of others. |
| Criminal Record or Loan Default | Applicants who have been convicted of a crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or drug offenses or who have defaulted on previous loans are disqualified. |
| Late Application | Submitting your application after the official deadline will automatically make it invalid. Always apply as soon as the portal opens. |
| No Valid NIN (National Identification Number) | Your application must be linked to a valid NIN. If there’s no match or your NIN has issues, your application won’t go through. |
| Wrong File Formats or Sizes | Uploading blurry photos, large files, or unsupported formats may prevent your documents from being processed correctly. |
| No Admission Yet or Not Yet a Full-Time Student | The loan is only for students who have already gained admission and are currently enrolled in a public institution. |
Advantages of the NELFUND Student Loan
- Interest-free
- No guarantor required
- Accessible to all qualified public institution students
- Easy online application
- No hidden fees
Disadvantages of NELFUND Student loan
- Doesn’t cover accommodation or feeding (yet)
- Only available to public school students
- You’ll need to provide documentation to prove financial need
